from the same as סוּחַ; something swept away, i.e. filth; torn.
Transliteration:çûwchâh
Pronunciation:soo-khaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5478}}` (çûwchâh) is a noun derived from a root often associated with the act of sweeping or removing. Its core meaning encapsulates something that has been "swept away," implying a forceful removal or rejection. From this primary sense, it extends to denote "filth," "refuse," or "abominable things"—that which is discarded as utterly worthless, repugnant, or defiling. The nuance of "torn" further suggests something violently rent apart, contributing to its state of disfigurement and worthlessness. Thus, `{{H5478}}` describes not merely dirt, but that which is rendered contemptible and an object of utter disdain, often as a consequence of judgment or defilement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5478}}` appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the prophetic book of Nahum:
* **[[Nahum 3:6]]**: "I will throw abominable filth on you and make you vile and make you a spectacle."
In this solitary occurrence, the prophet Nahum pronounces a severe judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The Lord declares His intention to utterly humiliate the city. The phrase "abominable filth" (וְהִשְׁלַכְתִּי עָלַיִךְ שִׁקֻּצִים, *wəhišlaktî ‘ālayik šiqquṣîm*) uses `{{H5478}}` in conjunction with *šiqquṣîm* (abominations, idols). This pairing intensifies the meaning, indicating that the very objects of Nineveh's pride and idolatry, or perhaps the consequences of its vile actions, will be cast upon it as a defiling and humiliating substance. The subsequent clauses, "and make you vile and make you a spectacle," reinforce the idea of public disgrace and utter contempt. Nineveh, once a mighty and feared empire, is to be reduced to the lowest possible state, becoming an object of scorn and revulsion for all to witness. The word vividly portrays the depth of divine judgment, transforming a proud entity into something utterly loathsome and discarded.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term `{{H5478}}` is closely related to its presumed root, `{{H5477}}` (çûwach), which functions as a verb meaning "to sweep away" or "to remove." This etymological connection underscores the active process by which something becomes *çûwchâh*—it is not merely dirty but has been deliberately or forcefully discarded.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Defilement/Uncleanness**: Words like `{{H2932}}` (ṭāmē', "unclean, defiled") and `{{H2931}}` (ṭum'â, "uncleanness, impurity") share the semantic domain of that which is ritually or morally impure. However, `{{H5478}}` carries a stronger connotation of something being actively rejected or thrown out.
* **Abomination**: The word `{{H8441}}` (tô‘ēḇâ, "abomination") often refers to practices or objects detestable to God, particularly idolatry. In [[Nahum 3:6]], `{{H5478}}` is paired with *šiqquṣîm*, a synonym for idols or detestable things, further emphasizing its connection to that which is morally repugnant to God.
* **Refuse/Rubbish**: Terms like `{{H6549}}` (pera‘, "refuse, rubbish") or `{{H1681}}` (dechi, "overthrow, ruin") describe discarded or ruined things, but `{{H5478}}` conveys a more visceral sense of active contempt and public shaming.
* **Judgment and Destruction**: The context of `{{H5478}}` in Nahum aligns it with divine judgment, demonstrating God's power to reduce the proud and wicked to a state of utter degradation and ruin.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H5478}}` in [[Nahum 3:6]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of divine judgment and the consequences of sin and idolatry.
1. **God's Holiness and Justice**: The imagery of "abominable filth" being cast upon Nineveh powerfully illustrates God's absolute intolerance for wickedness, pride, and idolatry. His holiness demands that sin be dealt with decisively, and His justice ensures that those who defy Him will face the full weight of His wrath. The transformation of a mighty city into an object of *çûwchâh* underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of divine retribution.
2. **The Humiliation of the Wicked**: The word vividly portrays the ultimate humiliation and disgrace that awaits those who oppose God. Nineveh, a symbol of human power and cruelty, is reduced to something utterly contemptible and disgusting in the eyes of all. This serves as a stark warning that worldly power and arrogance, when divorced from righteousness, are ultimately worthless and destined for ignominy.
3. **The Consequence of Idolatry**: By associating *çûwchâh* with *šiqquṣîm* (abominations/idols) in [[Nahum 3:6]], the text suggests that the very objects of Nineveh's devotion, or the vile actions born from its idolatry, will become the instruments of its public shame. This highlights a theological principle: that which is exalted above God will ultimately be brought low and revealed as defiling and worthless.
4. **Divine Sovereignty**: The Lord's declaration, "I will throw abominable filth on you," asserts His sovereign control over the destinies of nations. No empire, no matter how powerful, can withstand His decree when its wickedness reaches its appointed measure.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H5478}}` (çûwchâh) denotes "something swept away," "filth," or "that which is torn," signifying an object of utter worthlessness, defilement, and contempt. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Nahum 3:6]] is profoundly impactful, where it describes the public humiliation and disgrace awaiting Nineveh. The Lord declares He will cast "abominable filth" upon the city, rendering it vile and a spectacle. This powerful imagery underscores God's unwavering holiness and justice, demonstrating His absolute intolerance for sin and idolatry. The word highlights the severe consequences of defying the Almighty, reducing even the mightiest human power to a state of utter degradation and public scorn, serving as a stark reminder of divine sovereignty and the ultimate fate of the wicked.
TRV